AMETHYST NEWS BULLETIN MARCH 2007
GOODBYE FROM AMETHYST
This is the final newsletter as the Amethyst Project funding comes to an end this month.
It has been a sad few weeks since the last newsletter, full of ‘good-byes’. But there have been cheerful highlights too. International Women’s Day celebration took place in Warslow on 10th March, and the atmosphere was very lively. The short training sessions in Hope were fun and useful. At all of these the themes of growing edible plants and healthy food were prominent.
The Advisory Group decided that you the readers would appreciate having information about sources of support or activities similar to Amethyst’s. So that is the main content of this issue.
There is a special welcome for those of you who live in the High Peak from the Small Group Project, and their current newsletter is enclosed for High Peak readers, so that you can see the full extent of their work.
From Amethyst staff and members of the Advisory Group a big THANK YOU to all our supporters and especially our most recent funders: the Leader+ Access Fund and the Lankelly Chase Foundation.
Small Group Project
The Amethyst Project has worked in close partnership with the SGP this year due to our joint funding from the Lankelly Chase Foundation.
The full details of the Project’s work are in the newsletter of the SGP, which is enclosed for readers in the High Peak. The project is based at High Peak CVS, and the direct line numbers are 01663 736426 [Sandy] and 01663 736427 [Nancy].
Gateway Project Through the Arts
This is a Leader+ project, and the co-ordinator is Penny Kill. She can support women and young people in community based arts activities. Get in touch with her if you have an idea you would like some support to develop or to find out what she has planned in peak district villages. Penny was joint funder with Amethyst this year of International Women’s Day, and was responsible for arranging fantastic dance sessions, and the informative spinning workshop.
Penny is based at the Derbyshire Dales offices in Matlock, You can contact her on 01629 761194, or 07773 931036, or email penny.kill@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
What is a CVS?
They provide support to individuals and groups, including training and information on funding. They have regular mailings for members, giving information about their activities. If you would like to be kept informed, let them know.
Derbyshire Dales CVS: Tel 01629 812154, Email: enquiries@ddcvs.org.uk
High Peak CV: Tel 01663 735350,
Email: hello@highpeakcvs.org.uk
Staffs Moorlands CVS: Tel 01538 381356,
Email: leek@smcvs.co.uk |
Farming Life Centre
A vibrant centre offering a wide range of activities aimed at individuals and groups of all ages who have links with agriculture. Regular events include a rural craft group, social group, wool group, reminiscence activities, diversification and added value training and sessions on sustainable ways of farming.
Rooms are available for hire, including a 1950’s themed kitchen. Reminiscence baskets are also available on a loan basis for residential homes and housebound retired farmers.
For more details please ring the Farming Life Centre on 01298 85162
Farm Secretarial and Rural Business
The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators has branches in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Anyone who is interested in knowing more about IAgSA or attending their meetings should contact Sally Wood or Lynn Briggs.
Sally arranges meetings in Derbyshire, she can be contacted by email at sallywood@farming.co.uk or phone 07860 277057. Lynn is Chairperson of the Staffordshire branch. Lynn’s email address is lynn.briggs@btopenworld.com
Moorlands Walks With Children
There is a new programme for the 2007 season. If you would like a copy or to find out about the walks contact Melanie on 01538 304504.
Rural Office Rescue
A lifeline for your deadline.
ROR can help small businesses and community groups with administrative tasks. They can also help women interested in joining their pool of staff back into work after a career break.
Contact by phone on 07934 691866, or email ruralofficerescue@hotmail.co.uk
Derbyshire Rural Community Council (DRCC)
Based in Wirksworth, DRCC works with rural communities across Derbyshire providing advice and support on areas such as; Parish Planning, Village and community halls, rural services, rural housing, support to develop activities for rural young people, transport to work schemes, food and farming and Parish Councils. DRCC also works in partnership with many local, regional and national associations on rural issues.
Please ring 01629 824797 for further information or visit www.derbyshirercc.org.uk
College of the Peak
For courses in Heritage Building Skills, Hedgelaying and Creative Woodland Crafts, and more…
Contact Vanessa Swetman or Caitlin Bisknell on 01629 815749 or email vanessaswetman@derbyshire.gov.uk
Editor’s farewell note: It’s hard to know what to say about the end of this project as there is
no way to summarise eight years in one short newsletter. But - the website will still be here providing an archive of the last few years, and reviving some memories. www.amethystproject.org
